Mitzi Let’s Think About It.

Let's Think About "Guiding Teens Through Tough Challenges" With Special Guest Laura Ollinger

What if helping a teenager through a difficult season isn't about having all the answers, but about being willing to walk beside them while they find their own?

In this meaningful and thought-provoking episode of Mitzi, Let’s Think About It, Mitzi sits down with special guest Laura Ollinger for an important conversation about “Guiding Teens Through Tough Challenges.”

The teenage years can be complicated. Young people are discovering who they are, navigating friendships and relationships, dealing with pressure, making decisions, experiencing big emotions, and trying to find their place in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

For parents, educators, mentors, and anyone who cares about young people, knowing how to help can be just as challenging.

Laura and Mitzi explore what it means to guide teenagers through difficult moments while creating space for honest communication, trust, growth, and independence.

Together, they discuss the importance of listening without immediately trying to fix everything, recognizing the challenges today's teens face, and creating an environment where young people feel safe enough to ask for help and be honest about what they're experiencing.

Because sometimes a teenager doesn't need someone to solve the problem.

Sometimes they just need someone who won't leave while they're figuring it out.

💙 In this episode, we explore:
• Guiding teenagers through difficult challenges
• Communication between teens and adults
• Building trust with teenagers
• Listening without judgment
• Supporting teens through emotional challenges
• Parenting and mentoring today's youth
• Helping teenagers develop resilience
• Giving teens space to grow and make decisions
• Understanding the pressures young people face
• Being present when a teen needs support
• Creating safe and meaningful conversations

Mitzi, Let’s Think About It is a podcast about making people think deeply while connecting with both the mind and the heart. Every conversation invites listeners to pause, consider another perspective, and reflect on the people and experiences that shape our lives.

🎧 Listen, reflect, and ask yourself:

When a young person is struggling, do they need our answers—or do they need our presence?

To stay in touch, please visit Laura's website at https://www.positivelyhealthycoaching.com/speaking to learn more about her. 

Let's Think About "How Amazing You Are" With Special Guest James Metts

What if you've been so busy looking for what needs to be fixed that you've forgotten to notice what is already amazing about you?

In this uplifting and thought-provoking episode of Mitzi, Let’s Think About It, Mitzi sits down with special guest James Metts for a meaningful conversation about “How Amazing You Are.”

It's easy to recognize the strengths, beauty, accomplishments, and potential in other people while overlooking those same things within ourselves. Sometimes we become so focused on our shortcomings, mistakes, comparisons, and what we think we should be that we forget to appreciate who we already are.

James and Mitzi explore the importance of self-awareness, perspective, confidence, identity, personal growth, and recognizing the value we each carry.

This conversation invites you to look at yourself through a different lens—not through comparison or perfection, but through the understanding that your experiences, imperfections, strengths, struggles, and individuality are all part of your story.

Because sometimes the person who needs to recognize how amazing you are...

is you.

✨ In this episode, we explore:
• Recognizing your own worth
• Self-awareness and self-acceptance
• Confidence without comparison
• Personal growth and identity
• Learning to appreciate who you are
• Overcoming negative self-perception
• The impact of our thoughts on how we see ourselves
• Embracing individuality
• Recognizing strengths and potential
• Why we can be our own harshest critics

Mitzi, Let’s Think About It is a podcast about making people think deeply while connecting with both the mind and the heart. Every conversation is an invitation to pause, question the way we see ourselves and others, and reflect on what really matters.

🎧 Listen, reflect, and ask yourself:

When was the last time you stopped focusing on what you need to become and appreciated who you already are?

To stay in touch, please visit James's website at https://planetstoryland.com/ to learn more about him.

Want to hear about another conversation we had? Please listen to "The Word Question" & "Writing"

Let's Think About "Telling a True Story" With Special Guest Jan Sikes

What happens when telling your story means having the courage to tell the truth—even the parts you'd rather leave untold?

In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode of Mitzi, Let’s Think About It, Mitzi sits down with special guest Jan Sikes for a meaningful conversation about “Telling a True Story.”

Every person carries a story. Some stories are easy to tell. Others take years before we're ready to put them into words.

Jan brings her perspective to a heartfelt conversation about the power of true storytelling, vulnerability, memory, truth, resilience, and what happens when we choose to share the experiences that have shaped us.

Together, Mitzi and Jan explore what it means to tell a story honestly while navigating the emotions, memories, and personal experiences that come with putting your truth into words.

Because telling your story isn't always about having the perfect words.

Sometimes, it's simply about finding the courage to say, “This is what happened. This is what I lived. This is who I became.”

📖 In this episode, we explore:
• The power of telling a true story
• Vulnerability and authentic storytelling
• Turning life experiences into stories
• Truth, memory, and perspective
• The emotional courage behind sharing your story
• Writing and personal expression
• Resilience and the experiences that shape us
• Why our stories matter
• Connecting with others through vulnerability
• The difference between telling a story and truly sharing your truth

Mitzi, Let’s Think About It is a podcast about making people think deeply while connecting with both the mind and the heart. Every conversation invites listeners to pause, reflect, and consider the stories we carry—and the meaning we find within them.

Because your story doesn't have to be perfect to matter.

It just has to be true to you.

🎧 Listen, reflect, and ask yourself:

What part of your story have you been afraid to tell—and what might happen if you finally did?

To stay in touch, please visit Jan's website at http://www.jansikes.com to learn more about her. 

Let's Think About "Grief" With Special Guest Shamayne Olivia Kotfas

What if grief isn't something we simply “get over,” but something we learn to carry as we continue becoming who we're meant to be?

In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode of Mitzi, Let’s Think About It, Mitzi sits down with special guest Shamayne Olivia Kotfas for an honest conversation about “Grief.”

Grief is something every human being will encounter, yet no two people experience it in quite the same way. It can come after the loss of a loved one, a relationship, a dream, a season of life, an identity, or something we once believed would always be part of our future.

Shamayne and Mitzi explore the many layers of grief and what happens when we give ourselves permission to acknowledge the emotions that come with loss rather than trying to rush through them.

Together, they talk about healing, memories, change, acceptance, emotional growth, and the complicated ways grief can continue to shape our lives long after a loss occurs.

Because sometimes healing doesn't mean forgetting.

Sometimes healing means learning how to carry the love, the memories, and the loss differently.

❤️ In this episode, we explore:
• What grief can look and feel like
• The many forms of loss
• Why everyone experiences grief differently
• Processing emotions after loss
• Memories, love, and letting go
• Grief and personal identity
• Finding meaning after loss
• Healing without forgetting
• How grief can change us
• Giving ourselves permission to grieve
• Moving forward while still honoring what we've lost

Mitzi, Let’s Think About It is a podcast about making people think deeply while connecting with both the mind and the heart. Every episode creates space for honest conversation, reflection, and the questions we sometimes don't know how to ask.

If you've experienced loss, are currently walking through grief, or love someone who is, this conversation offers a gentle invitation to pause and reflect.

🎧 Listen, breathe, reflect, and ask yourself:

What have I lost that still lives within me—and what has that loss taught me about love?

To stay in touch, please visit Shamayne's website at https://shoesthatfithersoul.com/ to learn more about her. 

Want to hear about another conversation we had? Please listen to "Reclaiming Your Identity in Midlife and Beyond." 

Let's Think About "Music & Mental Health" With Special Guest Benjamin Barnes

What if a song can reach places within us that words sometimes can't?

In this deeply thoughtful episode of Mitzi, Let’s Think About It, Mitzi sits down with special guest Benjamin Barnes for a meaningful conversation about “Music & Mental Health.”

Music is everywhere. It can make us dance, bring back a memory, change our mood, help us process emotions, or simply make us feel understood when we can't find the words ourselves. But what is it about music that can affect us so deeply?

Benjamin joins Mitzi to explore the powerful relationship between music, emotions, mental health, memory, creativity, and human connection. Together, they talk about how music can become part of our stories and why certain songs can stay with us long after the final note.

This conversation goes beyond music as entertainment and invites us to think about the emotional role music can play in our everyday lives.

Because sometimes, we don't choose the song.

Sometimes, the song finds us exactly where we are.

🎵 In this episode, we explore:
• The connection between music and mental health
• How music can influence our emotions
• Music, memory, and personal experiences
• The role of music in emotional expression
• How songs can help us process feelings
• Music and human connection
• Creativity and emotional well-being
• Why certain songs become deeply meaningful to us
• The personal stories we attach to music
• How music can become part of our healing and reflection

Mitzi, Let’s Think About It is a podcast about making people think deeply while connecting with both the mind and the heart. Every conversation invites listeners to slow down, consider another perspective, and reflect on the experiences that make us human.

🎧 Listen, reflect, and ask yourself:

What song has helped you say something you couldn't put into words?

To stay in touch, please visit Ben's website at https://www.benjaminbarnes.com to learn more about him.

Want to hear about another conversation we had? Please listen to "Uncomfortable Questions."

Let's Think About "Dog Training" With Special Guest Drew Brashier

What if your personal brand isn’t about how the world sees you, but about whether the world truly understands who you are?

In this thought-provoking episode of Mitzi, Let’s Think About It, Mitzi sits down with special guest Lauren Bayne for a meaningful conversation about “Having a Personal Brand.”

Personal branding is often talked about in terms of visibility, social media, business, and creating the perfect image. But what happens when we look beyond the polished version of ourselves and ask a deeper question: What does your personal brand actually say about who you are?

Lauren brings insight into the importance of authenticity, intentionality, identity, communication, and how we show up in the world. Together, Mitzi and Lauren explore the difference between simply creating a personal brand and genuinely building a reputation that reflects your values, your story, and the person you are becoming.

This conversation invites you to think about how others experience you, what you communicate without saying a word, and whether the image you're presenting aligns with the person you truly want to be.

Because perhaps personal branding isn't just about being remembered.

Perhaps it's about being remembered for the right reasons.

✨ In this episode, we explore:
• What personal branding really means
• Authenticity and showing up as yourself
• Building a personal brand with intention
• The connection between identity and reputation
• How your values influence your brand
• Social media and personal visibility
• Creating meaningful connections through your personal story
• Why authenticity matters in business and life
• How the way we present ourselves impacts others

Mitzi, Let’s Think About It is a podcast created to spark deeper conversations, connect with both the mind and heart, and give listeners something meaningful to reflect on long after the conversation ends.

🎧 Listen, think about it, and ask yourself: What does your personal brand say about you?

To stay in touch, please visit Drew's website at https://www.pawandorder.com/ to learn more about him. 

Want to hear about another conversation we had? Please listen to "Children With Dogs" and "Animal Behavior."

Let's Think About "The Great Commission" With Special Guest Coach Pastor Jeff Grant

What if the Great Commission isn't simply something we're called to do, but a way we're called to live?

In this meaningful and thought-provoking episode of Mitzi, Let’s Think About It, Mitzi sits down with special guest Pastor Jeff Grant to explore “The Great Commission.”

For many Christians, the Great Commission is a familiar passage of Scripture. We hear the words to “go and make disciples,” but what does that actually look like in our everyday lives?

Together, Mitzi and Pastor Jeff go beyond simply discussing the words of Matthew 28:19–20 and explore the deeper meaning behind discipleship, faith, obedience, relationships, evangelism, and what it means to live out our faith beyond the walls of a church.

The Great Commission isn't only about where we go.

It can also challenge us to consider how we live, who we influence, what we model, and whether the way we love others points them toward Christ.

Pastor Jeff brings his perspective to a conversation that encourages listeners to reflect on their own faith journey and the responsibility—and opportunity—we each have to share God's love with others.

🙏 In this episode, we explore:
• The meaning of the Great Commission
• Matthew 28:19–20 and making disciples
• What discipleship looks like in everyday life
• Sharing faith with others
• Living out the Gospel
• Faith, obedience, and purpose
• Building relationships that point people toward Christ
• What it means to be intentional about our faith
• The role of the church and individual believers
• How our everyday actions can influence others

Mitzi, Let’s Think About It is a podcast about making people think deeply while connecting with both the mind and the heart. This episode invites us to pause and consider not only what we believe, but how those beliefs shape the way we live and interact with the people around us.

📖 “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” — Matthew 28:19

🎧 Listen, reflect, and ask yourself:

If someone only knew my faith by the way I lived, what would they see?

To stay in touch, please visit Jeff's Facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/jeff.grant.129 to learn more about him.

Want to hear about another conversation we had? Please listen to "A Blissful Marriage" and "How The Devil Ain't The Only Liar."

Let's Think About "Early Childhood Education and Educators Go Unrecognized" With Special Guest Coach Paul Buckley

What if some of the people shaping our children’s futures are the very people we notice the least?

In this deeply meaningful episode of Mitzi, Let’s Think About It, Mitzi sits down with special guest Paul Buckley to explore “Early Childhood Education and Educators Go Unrecognized.”

Early childhood is one of the most formative periods of a person's life. Yet the educators who spend their days nurturing, teaching, encouraging, comforting, and helping young children develop are often overlooked when we talk about the people who shape our future.

So why are early childhood educators so often unrecognized for the role they play?

Paul brings his perspective to a heartfelt conversation about early childhood education, educators, child development, the importance of early learning, and the people working behind the scenes to give children a strong foundation.

Together, Mitzi and Paul explore what happens when we underestimate the importance of those early years—and what it means for society when the people entrusted with helping shape young minds don't receive the recognition they deserve.

Because education doesn't begin when a child walks into a traditional classroom.

Sometimes, the most important lessons begin long before we realize we're learning them.

❤️ In this episode, we explore:
• The importance of early childhood education
• The role of early childhood educators
• Child development and early learning
• Why educators can feel overlooked or undervalued
• The lasting influence of early childhood experiences
• The people who help shape children's futures
• The challenges facing early childhood education
• The importance of recognizing educators
• How early learning affects families and communities
• Why investing in children means investing in the future

Mitzi, Let’s Think About It is a podcast about making people think deeply while connecting with both the mind and the heart. Every conversation invites listeners to slow down, consider another perspective, and reflect on the people and experiences that shape who we become.

🎧 Listen, reflect, and ask yourself:

Who helped shape the person you became before you were old enough to remember their impact?

To stay in touch, please visit Paul's website at https://ratiostaffing.com/ to learn more about him.

Let's Think About "Online Businesses" With Special Guest Neil Twa

What if building an online business isn’t really about making money online—but about building something that can create real freedom, value, and lasting impact?

In this episode of Mitzi, Let’s Think About It, Mitzi sits down with special guest Neil Twa for a thought-provoking conversation about “Online Businesses.”

The online business world can look incredibly appealing from the outside. Entrepreneurship, flexibility, financial opportunity, freedom, and the ability to build something of your own—but what does it actually take to turn an idea into a sustainable business?

Neil brings his experience and perspective into a conversation about entrepreneurship, e-commerce, business ownership, mindset, opportunity, and what it means to build a business in an increasingly digital world.

Together, Mitzi and Neil look beyond the surface of “making money online” and explore the realities of building a business, recognizing opportunities, understanding the marketplace, making decisions, and creating something that can continue to grow.

Because perhaps the biggest question isn't simply:

“Can I build an online business?”

Maybe it's:

“What am I willing to build—and who am I willing to become along the way?”

💻 In this episode, we explore:
• The realities of building an online business
• Entrepreneurship and business ownership
• E-commerce and digital businesses
• Recognizing opportunities in the online marketplace
• Business mindset and decision-making
• Building sustainable businesses
• The challenges entrepreneurs face
• Growth, adaptability, and learning
• Creating value in a digital economy
• What aspiring entrepreneurs should think about before starting

Mitzi, Let’s Think About It is a podcast about making people think deeply while connecting with both the mind and the heart. Every conversation is an invitation to step outside the surface, consider another perspective, and reflect on how these ideas connect to our own lives.

🎧 Listen, reflect, and ask yourself: If you could build something of your own, what would you build—and why?

To stay in touch, please visit Neil's website at https://www.voltagedm.com/ to learn more about him.

Neil is giving away free access to his book to 10 people. If you would like to get a free copy, click here to get yours. https://www.voltagedm.com/freebook

Let's Think About "Reconciliation" With Special Guest CC Robinson

What if reconciliation isn't about pretending the hurt never happened, but about deciding what you want to do with the space between you and someone else?

In this meaningful episode of Mitzi, Let’s Think About It, Mitzi welcomes special guest CC Robinson for a thoughtful conversation about reconciliation, forgiveness, relationships, conflict, healing, communication, and the courage it can take to rebuild a connection that has been broken.

Relationships can become complicated.

Words can hurt.

Trust can be damaged.

Misunderstandings can grow into distance.

And sometimes, people we once felt closest to become people we barely know how to talk to anymore.

But when a relationship becomes fractured, is reconciliation always possible? And if it is, what does it actually require?

Mitzi and CC explore the deeper meaning of reconciliation and the difference between forgiving someone, rebuilding trust, repairing a relationship, setting boundaries, and simply making peace with what happened.

Together, they reflect on questions such as:

• What does true reconciliation look like?

• Is forgiveness necessary for reconciliation?

• Can a relationship be repaired after trust has been broken?

• How important are honesty and communication?

• When should we pursue reconciliation—and when might boundaries be necessary?

• What role does accountability play in repairing relationships?

• Can reconciliation sometimes begin with ourselves?

This conversation isn't about offering easy answers to complicated relationships.

It's about creating space to think, reflect, and consider what healing and restoration might look like in our own lives.

As always, Mitzi, Let’s Think About It invites you to connect with both your mind and your heart while asking questions that may challenge the way you see yourself, others, and the relationships you carry.

Because reconciliation doesn't always mean going back to the way things were.

Sometimes it means finding a healthier way forward.

To stay in touch, please visit CC's website at https://www.ccrobinsonauthor.com/ to learn more about her.

If you would like to get access to one of her books for free, check out https://ccrobinsonauthor.com/letsthinkaboutit to get your free eBook now!